Easton School Committee Unanimously Opts Out of School Choice for 2026-27

EASTON — May 28, 2026 — Easton School Committee votes 5-0 to opt out of inter-district school choice for 2026-27, citing lack of classroom space and financial uncertainty. Superintendent Dr. Christine Cabral explained that the state's school choice tuition cap — set at $5,000 in 1992 and unchanged since — falls far short of Easton's per-pupil expenditure of roughly $18,000, making the program a net financial burden. Chair Jackie Wiseman said the decision felt like "rolling the dice" given enrollment and budget unknowns. The board also unanimously approved Oliver Ames High School's two-years-in-development Vision of a Learner standards — four soft-skill frameworks covering character and resilience, communication and collaboration, global engagement, and curiosity and innovation — drafted by English teacher Mrs. Campbell and administrator interns Mr. Koutros and Mrs. Campbell from faculty workshops and student focus groups, with a visual designed by senior Angie Romero. The board approved contracts with BearCom for 80 district security radios through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement and with Gustavo Preston Company for a domestic water booster replacement at $87,605.55, and rated outgoing Superintendent Dr. Cabral proficient on her formative evaluation without requiring a formal presentation, noting her June 30 departure and the incoming superintendent's imminent new evaluation cycle.